Relapse and alcohol problems

It is pertinent to commence this chapter by asking the question ‘why is relapse so important?’ The simple answer is that relapse occurs with alarming regularity, leading many to identify ‘alcoholism’ as a ‘relapsing condition’ (Litman 1980). For many clinicians, clients, and the public at large, this fact reinforces the view that problem drinkers are often ‘unmotivated’ and are at worst ‘hopeless cases’, exhibiting an exotic condition quite isolated from ordinary human behaviour. Further testament to the importance of relapse is contained in the truism – treatment that prevents and manages relapse is more effective treatment.